In an emotional appeal, Mandy Damari seeks urgent action from the UK government regarding her daughter Emily, the only British hostage held by Hamas for over 400 days. As fears for her daughter's safety rise, particularly amidst stalled negotiations for the hostages' release, Mandy demands both humanitarian aid and public attention to their plight.
Mother's Heartache: The Struggle for British Hostage Emily Damari in Gaza
Mother's Heartache: The Struggle for British Hostage Emily Damari in Gaza
Mandy Damari expresses deep concerns for her daughter, Emily, who has been held hostage by Hamas for over a year, pleading for government action and humanitarian aid.
Mandy Damari, mother of Emily Damari, the only British hostage held by Hamas, has shared her mounting fears for her daughter's life as she remains in captivity for over 400 days. Emily, aged 28, was abducted from her home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza during a Hamas raid on October 7, 2023. In her first televised interview with the BBC, Mandy expressed her anguish, stating, “I fear that she's dead... I worry every day, I worry every second because in the next second, she could be murdered.”
Emily suffered gunshot wounds during the attack, and her mother is anxious that she is not receiving adequate food, water, or medical care. "Someone has to do something and take strong action to get them released," Mandy emphasized, calling on the British government to ensure humanitarian aid reaches hostages like her daughter. She welcomed remarks by US President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened severe consequences for Hamas if hostages remain captive past January 20, 2025, nurturing a glimmer of hope in Mandy.
The events on that tragic day resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with Emily and 250 others taken to Gaza as hostages. Ongoing negotiations facilitated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar for their release have stagnated, leaving families like Mandy’s in despair. Trump’s recent commentary on the situation resonated with Mandy, as it signaled potential movement on the hostages' plight.
Frustrated with the British government's response, Mandy criticized its support for a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza without mandating the hostages' release, feeling it jeopardizes her daughter's safety. "It was basically signing a death warrant... because if there's a ceasefire with no release, the hostages will stay there forever," she asserted.
Throughout her ordeal, Mandy restrained her voice until now, believing in governmental efforts for her daughter’s safe return. However, she now seeks public support, highlighting Emily's dual citizenship as a compelling reason for urgent action. “She is the only British hostage being held... and I want people to help me to get her out, to be her voice because she can’t call out for herself," she pleaded.
The dire humanitarian situation continues as the conflict in Gaza escalates. Reports indicate more than 44,500 fatalities since Israel’s military response began post-October 7. Amidst the humanitarian crisis, Mandy Damari's call echoes: "I really need the British government… to at least get her humanitarian aid or a sign of life."
Emily suffered gunshot wounds during the attack, and her mother is anxious that she is not receiving adequate food, water, or medical care. "Someone has to do something and take strong action to get them released," Mandy emphasized, calling on the British government to ensure humanitarian aid reaches hostages like her daughter. She welcomed remarks by US President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened severe consequences for Hamas if hostages remain captive past January 20, 2025, nurturing a glimmer of hope in Mandy.
The events on that tragic day resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, with Emily and 250 others taken to Gaza as hostages. Ongoing negotiations facilitated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar for their release have stagnated, leaving families like Mandy’s in despair. Trump’s recent commentary on the situation resonated with Mandy, as it signaled potential movement on the hostages' plight.
Frustrated with the British government's response, Mandy criticized its support for a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza without mandating the hostages' release, feeling it jeopardizes her daughter's safety. "It was basically signing a death warrant... because if there's a ceasefire with no release, the hostages will stay there forever," she asserted.
Throughout her ordeal, Mandy restrained her voice until now, believing in governmental efforts for her daughter’s safe return. However, she now seeks public support, highlighting Emily's dual citizenship as a compelling reason for urgent action. “She is the only British hostage being held... and I want people to help me to get her out, to be her voice because she can’t call out for herself," she pleaded.
The dire humanitarian situation continues as the conflict in Gaza escalates. Reports indicate more than 44,500 fatalities since Israel’s military response began post-October 7. Amidst the humanitarian crisis, Mandy Damari's call echoes: "I really need the British government… to at least get her humanitarian aid or a sign of life."
